Section 1.56. Use of recording devices

(a) Permissible activities. A person attending an open meeting of an agency shall have the right to take written or stenographic notes of agency proceedings or utilize audio or video recording devices to record proceedings at an open meeting.

(b) Rules and regulations. An agency may adopt rules and regulations governing the use of recording devices. The regulations may:

(1) Require prior registration with the agency by individuals wishing to utilize recording devices who require special accommodations within the meeting room in order to provide adequate facilities and arrangements to facilitate the use of the devices. The regulations may not prohibit the use of recording devices without prior registration.

(2) Limit the use of recording devices to certain areas within a meeting room in order to avoid blocking the public view of agency proceedings or the creation of a distraction or interference with agency proceedings and prohibit the unreasonable use of noisy or distracting recording devices if the use of the devices interferes with the effective conduct of an open meeting. The regulations may not deprive members of the public of reasonable access necessary to record agency proceedings.

(c) Minutes. If an agency does not prepare an official recording or transcript of its proceedings, it shall include within the minutes of its proceedings, with the consent of the persons utilizing recording devices, the name and address of parties registering the use of recording devices at an open meeting and what portions of the meeting were recorded by the persons.

Notation

Cross References

This section cited in 4 Pa. Code § 1.41 (relating to requirements); and 4 Pa. Code § 1.53 (relating to notice).